The Portland Fire is hiring Alex Sarama as the franchise’s first head coach ahead of the 2026 season, according to a team press release. After spending time as an assistant coach and Director of Player Development for the Cleveland Cavaliers, he joins the Fire ready to establish a championship culture.

With Portland continuing to build ahead of its inaugural season, another question is answered on who will lead the team on the court.

“The opportunity to build something from the ground up is rare,” Sarama said in a statement. “At the Fire, we won’t just create a team - we will redefine how the game is taught and played, through an approach built on creativity and adaptability. Fans can expect a dynamic, up-tempo style of play, and I look forward to getting back to Portland and meeting our fans.”

Sarama is making a return to the Rose City, as he previously spent time as an assistant coach for the Rip City Remix, the G League affiliate of the Portland Trailblazers. He is the latest to be named a head coach in the WNBA after being an NBA assistant. Phoenix Mercury head coach Nate Tibbetts is the last coach to make that transition, and he led his team to the Finals in his second season with the franchise. Although the pressure may not be the same for Sarama to succeed immediately, he will have the trust of the front office, with whom he is quite familiar. 

The Fire hired Vanja Černivec as the General Manager in August after she spent a season with the Golden State Valkyries as the Vice President of Basketball Operations. Before Sarama spent time in the NBA, he worked as the Director of Methodology on the London Lions, where Černivec was the General Manager. As Sarama reunites with Cernivec, they will work together with a goal to bring a winning culture to Portland.  

“Alex represents the next generation of coaching,” said Černivec in a statement. “He’s not just teaching the game, he’s transforming it. His approach to player development, grounded in evidence-based science, research, and creativity, aligns with our vision to make Portland a global hub for innovation in women’s sports.”

Sarama is known for his influence in modern player development and his deep understanding of how athletes learn and adapt to basketball. He also prioritizes the long-term health and well-being of athletes, helping players extend their careers and reduce injury risk. Sarama is also the founder of Transforming Basketball, a global movement reshaping how coaches teach and players learn. His bestselling book, Transforming Basketball, is considered a benchmark for modern coaching around the world. Sarama joined the Fire shortly after they announced the hiring of Ashley Battle as the Vice President of Basketball Operations. Portland's next steps are to build its team in the expansion draft and free agency, which will take place after a new CBA is agreed upon. With the Fire set to start constructing their roster, Sarama is prepared to lead the team when they tip off in the 2026 season.